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My research on the dangers of all mined minerals that are used in mushroom cultivation such as vermiculite, perlite and gypsum to name a few, has led me to warn all those who use these products to be extremely cautious. One high exposure to asbestos can cause severe health problems down the road. I have talked with companies and individuals that sharply disagree with the EPA standards on asbstos containing products and those who are involved with mining the minerals themselves. What I have learned is a little disturbing. Asbestos concentrations can change at different levels in the earth where they are mined and so that means that even though one level may seem safe the next 100 ft of mine can be dangerous to the mine worker and those who buy the finished product. The EPA has standards concerning asbestos but most non- government health researchers disagree with them and say that asbestos is much more dangerous in these mined minerals than originally thought. I have decided to go the more simple route. Grain to compost. Keep it simple and safe. If you use these products please do not use them indoors. Once asbestos particles are released indoors they remain airborn for sometime. Do not risk the health of others living with you. I don't want to cause paranoia but please do the research and be careful. Not enough has been said here at the shroomery on this matter so..... This is a good vendors forum subject as it does deal with products.

dude you are far too paraniod!!!!! the only danger is too the miners themselves. and of all these ppl using verm(expecially at the shroomery) noone has gotten sick from vermiculite for example. you would of heard of some krazy shit by now if it were dangerous

Asbestos is banned for use as insulation but I bought a HUGE bag of vermiculite at home
depot which is sold as insulation material. I don't think home depot would be selling this if
it contains asbestos (think lawsuits, Federal Govt regulations).

Dave is right that it takes about 20 years for asbestos to make one sick. It could be 10 years, it could be 30. It's true that is a long time, so some people dont mind this risk. To get sick(cancer) it only takes minute particles of the dust. (even one is enough)
Asbestos is still used today in various applications. It is used in brakes on cars and foundations of buildings. After the 9-11 tradgedy, there was some concern about airborne asbestos floating around the city. Asbestos was used for many years in pizza oven stones made by Manville corporation. The benefit of using it in these (hearth) stones was that it allows the stone to bend without breaking. It also strenghtens the stone and allows even baking. Many workers who cut these stones, became ill and died. They were being exposed to tremendous amounts of the dust.(This is before the facts became publicly well known) The families of these unfortunatre workers sued Manville.
I spoke with people who sell these stones a couple years ago. For a while they stopped making them(by law) and then restarted again.(Im not sure how). I asked about eating pizza off of these asbestos(composite) stones. They said that the asbestos is encapsulated and will not cause harm if eaten.(being encapsulated) But breating the dust is not good.(obviously) Of course they sell the stones.
Sorry if I got off topic, but I just wanted to add my 3 cents. This is not meant to cause fear about using vermiculite. Everyone makes their own choices, and there are tons of harmful substances in the environment, foods, cosmetics etc...
Black dove also stopped using vermiculite a while ago. He does rye/grains and peat/oyster. Whatever you choose, be smart and dont breathe more than you need. Keep it wet, and wear a dust mask. Open the bag outside and wet it down. that's all....peace

Damn, so what should I do now? I germinate seeds in vermiculite inddoors, and use a healthy amount of vermiculite.
I also used to keep my lizard in a vermiculite laden aquarium, so that the lizard would have humidity.
Do I need to buy an air ionizer, or am I just screwed. I wish someone told me about this before.

The only thing I remember hearing was that Perlite was dangerous, and not to inhale perlite dust particles.

Breathing in any small particles can be hazardous to your health. I am yet to see a bag of verm or perlite that doesn't have a warning on it "moisten before use, wear a dust mask, do not inhale contents, etc, etc." Even potting mix compost can be bad for you if you inhale the dust as they contain microscopic fungal and bacterial spores that can make you sick.

Just make sure that whenever you are using verm, perlite or whatever, do it in a well ventilated area and use a mask. Simple.

--------------------MushyMay is a fictional character, as a result any information provided by MushyMay is also fictitious.

just ask the rescuers at the WTC aboutsafe levels. they trusted thats hypocritical used carsalesman like rudy guiliani when he said everything was fine, and almost every motherfucker there is hacking. your bad, huh rudy?